I don't know anyone who was "immediately burned" as in missing out on a trip that was already booked and paid for; but when Aloha Airlines ceased carrying passengers on March 31, it screwed us out of our Aloha Pass miles, which would have given each of us a free First Class round-trip later this year.

"Even though they had the trip itinerary she hadn't noticed what airline."

Um, how can you book a flight and not know what airline you booked it on?

Did they not have travel insurance? Has she paid the credit card bill? I would dispute the charge through them.

I don't think all travel insurance policies cover airline bankrupcies.

I think you can get it - but don't assume your travel insurance does cover it.

I love my Travel Agent. She always gets us cheaper ticket than what I can find on ANY website. She also makes sure things are OK all all time. Worth it totally in this day and age.

Too bad about your friends trip - that would really be awful.

LOL
Well, lindsey, obviously it can be done....having an itinerary and not memorizing or committing the airline to membory for four months. My friend also also missed the news about the bankruptcy. That happens on sheep ranches. Even if she had known the name of the airline, it wouldn't have done her any good. Her money was gone and that's a shame. She works very hard for what she earns.

I used to have a great travel agent but she retired.
She booked our honeymoon, several anniversary trips and the big one to Hawaii on our tenth. But could a really good agent foresee this happening? With the exception of one trip, each was booked several months in advance for the best savings.

We've considered booking an Alaskan cruise for early next fall but now I don't know. With the rising cost of not just fuel but everything else, even the most solvent airline could be out of business in just a few months.

What's the name of your agent IG?
Would she book for a person clean across the country?
LOL

Lori

I would check with the credit card company any to see if the purchase is covered under it. I'm not sure if this is still true, but credit card companies used to offer some insurance on things bought with the card. One company used to have a commercial showing a vcr with a pbj sandwich going in the slot. My impression was that the vcr was insured. A few years back, I had a friend who bought a new computer. His apartment was broken into shortly after and he didn't have renter's insurance. The cc company refunded the money. I'd call the cc company and check. the worse they could say is 'no'.

We are considering an Alaskan cruise in the next few years also! With a business to run and a 14 year old to run, the timeing is difficult to say the least.

What cruise line/trip are you considering and why? How long would you go for? Where would you sail out of? LOL

This is the one trip I have to do before I die. After that, travel does not hold that much of an appeal.

WOuld that be a hoot if we ended on the same cruise magic?

We're just tossing the idea around for now.

We'll be empty nesters next September so it seems logical to go on a big people trip the same time the kids head off for college. That, my dear, is as far as our dreams have gone. A fellow I work with is going to Alaska next week. They are flying. I don't know their plans once they get there.

Lori

ROFL!

Yep! Not sure the other passengers would appreciate it so much.

We were planning on it for our 20th anniversary which is in Oct 2009 but realistically we will probably have to wait until DS goes off to college.

leaving a 16 year old home alone with no supervision is not an option.

You mentioned Northwest--but it is still flying in fact it is the only one that flies into Minot. It might merge with another line. Check to see if is NW and or another name similiar. Also why cannot the travel agent help or does she choose not too. You might contact either your attorney general (state), or whoever licenses either the agent or airline. Ours is great!

Northwest is still flying as far as I know...or it was last month when DH flew them to Calgary...My company is in negotiations with a merger with them...i'm pretty sure their still flying...

Tell her to keep making phone calls and checking...she might find a way to get her money back!

Perhaps the airline isn't northwest....
What airline DID go under this week?

Maybe she will get her money back?
I haven't talked to her for a few days.
She was as upset at losing her money on her accomodations as the airfare.

LOL Magic.
I'm sure the passengers would LOVE to have us onboard with them.
Don't you?
Not!
Our husbands would probably pretend they didn't know us and we'd be put off at the nearest ice floe....LOL

Lori

We just flew back in from ND last Sunday night on Northwest and had no trouble then. When did they declare bankruptcy?

Northwest is still in business AND is strong so I see no bankruptcy in their future. They ARE merging with Delta because Delta NEEDS their strong Asian Pacific routes

I'm wondering if perhaps the ticket was with ATA. They DID go bankrupt. If the tickets were purchased using a credit card, your friend WILL get her money back, but she HAS to contact the credit card company and ASK - NOW!!! There is a time limit. If she dealt with a travel agent, she needs to lean on that agent to get her another ride to Hawaii so she doesn't lose her money she's paid for accommodations, etc. If she booked that herself, she needs to find a substitute airline ASAP. She shoud NOT just accept that she can't get there....there IS a way.